In November, I attended the NCTE Convention in Houston. There were many amazing sessions I attended, but one of the most life-changing was the Friday general session where seven students schooled a convention hall full of educators.
Teachers, school administrators, authors, pre-service teachers heard the stories of these remarkable students.
We talk often about all that we do as educators to teach students, but we should turn the tables for a few minutes and ask ourselves what we can learn from these incomparable kids.
There’s a lot to learn here.
Marley Dias–
A fourteen year old girl who launched the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign at the age of 11. Three years ago, Marley Dias was frustrated as she felt that she was asked too often to read books about white boys and their dogs. She didn’t stop there. She launched her campaign to collect and donate 1,000 books that present black girls in the role of main character. She surpassed her goal and is now an author of her own book, Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You.
Alex King–
Alex is a recent graduate from Chicago’s North Lawndale College Prep High School. He spoke out about the Parkland shooting amid his efforts to call attention to gun violence in his own hometown of Chicago. Alex and several other Chicago students were on stage at the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., to speak out against gun violence. He continues to advocate for a solution to urban violence; cities must provide more jobs and seek investment in low-income communities much like his own.
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez–
An avid environmental conservationist, hip hop artist and student director of Earth Guardians, Xiuhtezcatl has brought attention to the need for climate action. His work as an indigenous climate activist is well respected and widely known through his music, speaking and activism and published book, We Rise. He has enlightened and empowered youth to work together to protect our planet. Xiuhtezcatl served on former President Obama’s youth council and has been featured widely across news outlets and social media.
Sara Abou Rashed–
Sara Abou Rashed is an artist and poet. Her family came from Haifa, Palestine, but she was born and spent her early childhood in Damascus, Syria. Sara moved with her family to Ohio in 2013 due to the war. She began her journey as a poet while still in high school. Sara 2015 won the Ohio Poetry Association High School Contest in 2015. Her art and poetry have appeared in a variety of magazines and she is featured in a TedX Talk recounting her experience as a refugee.
Zephyrus Todd–
Zephyrus describes himself as a wannabe artist and animator. Seventeen years old, he began influencing kids about the importance of science at the age of eight. He met the president after entering the RoboGames with his Water Color Bot which led to traveling and speaking to kids around the world about the powerful impact of STEM education. Zephyrus spoke to NCTE attendees in November 2018 about his experience and support for transgender teens.
Olivia Van Ledjte–
From Liv’s website: I’m Liv and I’m 10-years old. I love all things shark and hope someday to be an ichthyologist. I’m also a lover of books, ballet and an advocate for digital citizenship and student voice on social media. I use Instagram, Vimeo, and Twitter to share my passions through positive social media posts. I am also an ambassador for the Gills Club, an organization promoting girls in science through inquiry-based experiences meant to grow enthusiasm and activism for sharks and ocean life.
Jordyn Zimmerman–
Speaker and advocate, student at Ohio University, Jordyn shares her experience as a student with autism. Placed in special programs throughout her school years, Jordyn recounts her experience:
I experienced a communication breakthrough at age 18 when I began using the iPad and was finally able to express my personal thoughts and share what I know. I had previously been unable to express most of my thoughts verbally. Many professionals, such as teachers and doctors, were unable to see how intelligent I was.
Jordyn’s story inspires teachers to look first at student strengths–“Every student that you work with can change the world.”
What if teachers and support staff framed their work around what they could learn from their students? These seven remarkable young people, exceptional in a variety of ways, assuredly have much to teach us as educators. How much more so the kids that come through our classroom door at the start of each school year?
What have you learned from the students in your learning community so far this year?
We have much to learn…
